If you are craving a crunchy, cheesy, and satisfying snack that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle, then you are going to absolutely love this Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos Recipe. This dish brilliantly combines shredded chicken with melted cheddar cheese rolled into crispy taquitos that make for a perfect appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of spicy jalapeno, creamy cheese filling, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in a crisp, golden cheese shell. Whether you’re new to keto cooking or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and sure to become a fast favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component brings something special to the table from the creamy textures to bursts of freshness and that irresistible cheddar crunch.
- Chicken Breast: Cooked and shredded, this lean protein forms the hearty base of the filling, keeping it satisfying without extra carbs.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Whether shredded or sliced into squares, cheddar crisps up perfectly to create the taquito shell with a bold, rich flavor.
- Jalapeno: Deseeded and minced to add just the right amount of gentle heat and brightness without overpowering the dish.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to add creaminess and bind the filling ingredients together for that smooth, luscious bite.
- Chives: Freshly chopped for a subtle oniony kick and a pop of green color enhancing the overall freshness.
- Kosher Salt: A pinch to balance and elevate all the flavors beautifully.
- Shredded Lettuce, Salsa, and Sour Cream: Optional toppings to introduce contrasting textures and cooling elements that complement the taquitos.
How to Make Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start off by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot for baking the cheese shells. Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. You’ll want the baking surface ready to create a perfect, crispy cheese base that will hold your filling.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken breast with the softened cream cheese, minced jalapeno, chopped chives, and kosher salt. Stir everything together until well combined. This mixture should be creamy and well seasoned, as it’s what brings moistness and flavor inside the crispy shells.
Step 3: Form Cheese Squares for the Taquito Shells
On the prepared baking sheets, evenly distribute approximately 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into 12 flat squares. Space these about one inch apart so they can bake evenly without merging. If you don’t have room, use two baking sheets. This step is key because the cheese crisps up around the edges and forms that perfect shell later on.
Step 4: Bake the Cheese Shells
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for around 9 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt fully and start turning golden brown and crispy around the edges. This crunchy texture is what gives the taquitos their crunchy and satisfying bite, so don’t rush this step.
Step 5: Cool and Roll Your Taquitos
Remove the cheese squares from the oven and let them cool for about three minutes. They need to be cool enough to handle but still warm enough to be flexible. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling along one edge of each cheese square. Carefully roll the cheese around the filling toward the open end to create your taquito shape. Be gentle, as the cheese shells are still delicate.
Step 6: Serve While Warm
The real magic is in enjoying these taquitos fresh and warm. Serve them with shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream for extra flavor and texture contrasts. This combination brings out the best in your Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos Recipe every single time.
How to Serve Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh shredded lettuce, tangy salsa, and a dollop of cooling sour cream creates a perfect balance to the richness of the taquitos. These garnishes not only brighten the plate visually but also introduce refreshing flavors that cut through the crispiness and spice.
Side Dishes
If you want a fuller meal or something to serve alongside, consider pairing your taquitos with a crisp green salad, guacamole, or a light cucumber and avocado salad. These low-carb sides complement the hearty taquitos while keeping the meal keto-friendly and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
You can have fun with presentation too! Try serving the taquitos standing upright in a small dish for easy grabbing at parties or stack them artistically on a wooden board with small bowls of different dipping sauces. This makes your Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos Recipe not only delicious but also a visually stunning appetizer when entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store your Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them great for quick snacks or meal prep.
Freezing
You can also freeze these taquitos before baking. Assemble them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover taquitos on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes to restore that crispy exterior. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it may soften the cheese shell and lose the signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar crisps up beautifully and adds great flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend. Just make sure the cheese melts well and crisps when baked for that perfect taquito shell.
How do I cook the chicken quickly?
Boiling chicken breast is simple and efficient. Simply place chicken breasts in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool and shred with two forks. This extra step ensures tender, juicy chicken filling.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos Recipe relies heavily on cheese for structure and flavor, so going fully dairy-free would change the dish significantly. However, experimenting with dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives could be fun, but texture and crispiness may differ.
Are these taquitos suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! You can prepare the filling and the cheese shells ahead of time and assemble just before baking. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh taquitos whenever you want without a lot of last-minute work.
What if I want more spice?
Feel free to keep the jalapeno seeds or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling. This recipe is flexible, so adjusting the heat to your liking is encouraged to make every bite more exciting.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a recipe that feels both indulgent and healthy at the same time, and this Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos Recipe hits that mark perfectly. It’s easy to make, packs amazing flavors, and keeps you on track with your low-carb goals. I highly encourage you to give it a try, share it with friends, and watch it become a beloved staple in your keto kitchen!
Print
Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
These Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos are a delicious low-carb snack or appetizer featuring crispy baked cheddar cheese shells rolled around a flavorful chicken, cream cheese, jalapeno, and chive filling. Perfect for keto followers and anyone craving a cheesy, satisfying bite without the carbs of traditional tortillas.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 Cup Chicken Breast, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 Cup Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 Jalapeno, deseeded and minced
- 2 Tablespoons Chives, chopped
- 1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
Cheese Shells
- 8 Ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded or 12 square slices
Optional Toppings
- Shredded Lettuce
- Salsa
- Sour Cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken breast with softened cream cheese, minced jalapeno, chopped chives, and kosher salt. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create the taquito filling.
- Create Cheese Shells: On the prepared baking sheet, spread approximately 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into flat square shapes. Make 12 squares total and space them about 1 inch apart to ensure even baking. You may need to use two baking sheets.
- Bake Cheese Shells: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cheese squares for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are browned and crispy, indicating the shells have formed.
- Cool Cheese Shells: Remove the cheese squares from the oven and let them cool for about 3 minutes until they are cool enough to handle but still pliable.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon the prepared chicken filling onto one edge of each cheese square. Carefully roll the cheese around the filling towards the open edge to form a taquito shape.
- Serve: Serve the keto chicken cheese taquitos warm, optionally topped with shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream to enhance flavor and texture. Enjoy your low-carb snack!
Notes
- To cook chicken quickly, boil chicken breasts in salted water until cooked through, then shred.
- Make sure the cheese squares are spaced well on the sheet to prevent them from sticking together.
- Handle cheese shells gently when warm as they harden quickly when cooled.
- For extra spice, leave some jalapeno seeds or add hot sauce to the filling.
- Leftover taquitos can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
